With the new “Sonic” movie hitting theatres, we suspect that there will be an influx of spontaneous hedgehog adoptions, and being as this is something we would like to avoid, I want to take a moment to give a few facts about hedgehogs.
• hedgehogs are solitary creatures. They do not want or need companionship with other hedgehogs, and in fact, they can and will most likely fight.
• hedgehogs are nocturnal—they are asleep all day and are awake all night.
• hedgehogs live an average of 3-7 years.
• they are prickly, and if not given plenty of attention, they will remain as such for the duration of their life time.
• hedgehogs require a variety of live insects in their diet, so if you don’t like bugs, these aren’t the pet for you.
• hedgehogs absolutely MUST stay warm, and require a lightless heat source.
• hedgehogs poop A LOT.
• the cost of vet care for a hedgehog is very high, due to the fact that hedgehogs are exotic, and with exotic pets comes exotic vet prices because not all vets are very knowledgeable about hedgehogs.
• hedgehogs are illegal in many places, so if you live in a place where they are illegal, PLEASE DO NOT GET ONE.
• hedgehogs are not rodents, and should not be treated like or compared to your beloved hamster. Their needs are VERY different.
• did I mention that they poop a lot?
PLEASE SHARE THIS. My goal is to educate as many people as I can, and if that means we save the life of at least one hedgehog, then my job has been done.
HEDGEHOGS ARE VERY PRONE TO CANCER! They also often suffer from fatty liver disease and heart disease so be prepared to have your hedgehog spayed or neutered and given care often by an exotic animal veterinarian for their 3 - 7 year life span!
they are often considered an invasive species and can spread salmonella
European hedgehog breeds can/will hibernate
they can be escape artists and run very fast
hedgehogs need to be entertained with good enrichment and means you will have to give them attention at night because they’re nocturnal and they are solitary
